Redmine Automation / Variable filter
What are variable filters?
Variable filters are data manipulation functions that are appended to standard variables and modify their output before use.
Basic principle:
- Normal:
%VARIABLE%
→ outputs stored value - With filter:
%VARIABLE|FILTER%
→ processes the value before output
Advantage: Converts static variables into calculated values—directly within the automation rule, without external tools or manual post-processing.
More than just copying data
Standard automation only transfers values. But what if you need to calculate deadlines from start dates, add buffers to time entries, or anonymize user data? Variable filters extend your automation rules with calculation and formatting functions.
Four powerful filter categories
- Text filter: Formatting (
|upper
,|lower
,|length
) - Calculation filter: For buffers and calculations (
|calc+5
,|calc*1.2
) - Date filter: Set time calculations and deadlines (
|calc+14
for +14 days) - Hash filter: Encryption and anonymization (
|hash
,|sha256
)
Practical applications
Use Case: Intelligent calculations
Automatic effort and time calculations without manual rework (available operators: basic arithmetic operations)
Use Case: data protection compliance
GDPR-compliant anonymization and secure hash generation
Use Case: system integration
Provide raw data formats for various APIs and external systems
Who can benefit most from variable filters?
Variables for filters are for people who already create automation rules and need advanced workflows. Ideal for technical Redmine administrators.
Required expertise
- Confident Redmine administration
- Experience with automation plugins
- Basic understanding of data types and calculations
Not suitable for
- Occasional users without technical experience
- Teams that only need simple ticket creation
Getting Started: Introduction to variable filters
Step 1: Understand the basics
Learn the standard variable syntax of the Automation plugin
Step 2: Test simple filters
Start with string filters such as |upper
or |lower
Step 3: Incorporate calculations
Test numerical filters with |calc
for simple expense calculations
Step 4: Complex workflows
Integrate date and hash filters for advanced use cases (e.g., user.name|sha256
)
The use of variable filters is just one of the many useful plugin functions of the Automation Plugin. The plugin requires the Reporting Plugin as a basis and is part of the Automation Bundle and Enterprise+ Bundle. Availability of variable filters: Part of the current version
Buy Automation Plugin v4.1.0
Fast, free delivery of the download URL after receipt of payment
Plugin requirements - Plugin FAQ - Terms of use
12 Month - DE, EN - E-Mail support via customer area
Lifetime
(Reporting & Automation to automate: projects, issues, spent time entries)
(as Reporting extension)
(Full-Stack contains all Plugins) - Compare all features
1) does not run stand-alone. Requires Redmine Reporting. Affects: Automation, HRM, DevOps, ServiceDesk
What annual support and maintenance license do you need?